A recent study has raised serious concerns about the impact of climate change on farmers in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills, revealing that nearly two-thirds of smallholder farmers in the region are highly vulnerable to changing weather patterns and weak support systems.The study, conducted by researchers from Mizoram University along with other collaborating institutions, surveyed 300 farming households across 12 villages. It found that a large number of farmers fall under high to very high vulnerability categories, with a mean vulnerability index of 0.667. Researchers said rising temperatures over the years have emerged as a major factor affecting agriculture in the region. Based on climate data analysed over nearly seven decades, the study observed a steady increase in both maximum and minimum temperatures, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
While rainfall patterns did not show a clear long-term trend, variability has increased. This has led to more frequent drought-like conditions and unstable farming cycles, making agriculture less predictable for farmers.On the ground, the impact is already visible. Farmers reported declining yields of major crops such as rice, maize, and various horticultural produce. Almost all respondents said they had experienced crop losses, with over 40 per cent stating that such losses happen frequently. These losses have directly affected household income and food security. The study pointed out that low adaptive capacity is one of the biggest reasons behind the high level of vulnerability. None of the farmers surveyed had access to crop insurance. Only 18 per cent reported having access to credit facilities, and not a single respondent had received any training in climate-smart agricultural practices.
A large number of farmers—around 67 per cent—depend entirely on rain-fed agriculture. This makes them highly exposed to erratic weather conditions, especially in the absence of irrigation facilities. Structural challenges are also adding to the problem. The average landholding size in the surveyed areas is just 0.18 acres, which limits the ability of farmers to diversify crops or invest in better farming methods. High levels of illiteracy further restrict access to information, government schemes, and modern agricultural practices.The study also highlighted that women farmers are facing greater challenges compared to their male counterparts. Limited access to land ownership, financial resources, and institutional support has made women more vulnerable to climate-related risks.